JAILED: 62-year-old guilty of manslaughter after killing pub-goer with single punch

A man in his sixties has been jailed for killing a fellow pub-goer with a single punch in Burnham.
Anthony Gardener, 62, of Burlington Road, Burnham, was found unanimously guilty of one count of manslaughter at Reading Crown Court today following a six day trial.
He has been jailed for eight years.
Police were called to The George Inn pub in High Street at 12.01am on August 13 last year after a man – 48-year-old Dean Haverley – was assaulted.
He was treated at the scene but sadly later died in hospital.

Gardener claimed he threw a punch at Mr Haverley in self-defence, but the incident was captured on CCTV, with the jury concluding that it was an unlawful act.
Following today’s guilty verdict and sentencing, senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Stuart Blaik of the Major Crime Unit, said: “This incident was captured on good quality CCTV from within the George Inn. The CCTV clearly shows that this was not an act of self-defence but an act of cowardly violence which has resulted in Dean’s death.
“Understandably this incident has had a profound effect on Dean’s family but they have conducted themselves in a most dignified way throughout an incredibly difficult period of their lives.
“Dean’s death has left his six children and two stepsons without their father. Dean also leaves behind his long-term partner. All of his family are finding it very difficult to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer by their side.
“This incident is a timely reminder that a single punch can kill and have devastating effects on all those involved.
“There was absolutely no need for Gardener to punch Dean that night in August last year so I am satisfied that justice has been done; Gardener has been found guilty of manslaughter today and has been sentenced to eight years in custody.”
Source: Local Bucks